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Race and Health Equity
How Do You Use Our Race & Health Equity Resource Guide?
The Race and Health Equity Resource Guide was developed by our Board's Race & Health Equity Committee. Our hope is that it will serve as a resource for the board and staff, as well as external partners. Read below how Nikki Burnett has used this resource. What are your favorite resources?
New Report from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA Foundation
The BCBS Foundation released a new report in February called, Structural Racism and Racial Inequities in Health: Summary of Focus Groups Commissioned by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation. The Foundation identified structural racism and racial inequities in health as a new focus area in 2020. To inform future work in this new focus area, the Foundation wanted to understand how racism, in all its forms, impacts health and access to health care services. A fundamental principle underlying this initiative was a commitment to listening and learning directly from the communities and community members experiencing racism and health inequities. Read the report.
Research & Evaluation
Use COVID-19 Survey Data to Inform Action
The COVID-19 Community Impact Survey (CCIS) has a wealth of data, ranging from experiences with COVID-19 to basic needs, access to healthcare, pandemic-related changes in employment, mental health, substance use, discrimination, intimate partner violence, families, youth, and more.

Do you want to learn how to use this data to inform action? The Public Health Institute of Western MA is the technical assistance provider for the CCIS for Western MA. Learn how we can help you!
Coalition Building
Supporting Youth Mental Health in Memory of Richard W. Whitcomb
We are pleased to announce that we have received $10,000 from The Richard & Barbara Whitcomb Foundation. Andrea Whitcomb made this donation in memory of her father, who had a lifelong love of children and young people. The money will be used to support the Youth Mental Health Coalition, which is working on a communications campaign to normalize talking about mental health and to support children and families. Thank you so much for this important contribution!

COVID-19 News & Resources
Get tested & vaccinated
Hacerse la prueba y vacunarse
Vaccines are still the best protection against getting severely ill with COVID-19, and testing is an important tool for keeping you and your loved ones safe.

Las vacunas siguen siendo la mejor protección contra una enfermedad grave con COVID-19, y las pruebas son importante para que usted y sus seres queridos estén seguros. 
Treatments
There are treatment options available for those who get mild/moderate COVID symptoms and test positive. These treatments should be taken within the first 5 days of getting sick. They are safe, effective, and free. Contact your health center or healthcare providers to discuss your options. You can also call the self-referral line at (508) 213-1380.
Upcoming Vaccine Clinic for Children and Families
Clinicas de Vacunas para Niños y Familias
Events, Opportunities & Resources
Upcoming Events

  • 16th Annual Fair Housing & Civil Rights Conference, 4/5/22-4/7/22: The conference provides an opportunity to hear speakers from a wide range of disciplines discuss the state of fair housing and civil rights in America today and share their ideas on how to effectuate change on both a local and national level. Learn more and register.
  • Film, Conversation, & Community- Multifaceted Exploration of Health Equity, 4/14/22-5/18/22: Join the Western Massachusetts Health Equity Network this spring for a multifaceted exploration of health equity, including live performance, site-specific cultural exploration, festive refreshments, MOSAIC film premiere, and stellar post-screening panels leading us in conversations on racism and community health in our region. There will be an event in Amherst, Holyoke, Springfield, Great Barrington, Florence, and Turners Falls. Each event will be unique, so feel free to join more than one! Learn more and register.
  • Expanding the Circle of Support in the Perinatal Period, Virtual Training, 4/7/22 at 11:00am: The Mass. PPD Fund in partnership with Strong Roots Counseling is pleased to announce a free, virtual two-hour training for providers on perinatal mental health, screening, treatment approaches, and resources. Learn more and register.
  • Victim Rights Conference - Virtual Symposium, 4/27/22 at 8:30am: Join the Hampden County District Attorney's Office, Baystate Family Advocacy Center, and Baystate Continuing Interprofessional Education as they present the 32nd Annual Victims' Rights Conference: Rights, Access, Equity for All Victims. Learn more and register.
Local Opportunities
  • Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), is seeking new members to join their advisory council. If you have been a patient, or a family member of a patient, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and would like to learn more about joining the Council, please download & complete a PFAC application.

  • Latino Scholarship Fund Opportunity, Do you know a Latina/o/x High School Senior who has: high academic achievement, been active in your community and/or school, demonstrated financial need for college costs. If you answered yes to all of the above, the Latino Scholarship Fund of Western Massachusetts invites you to apply for their scholarship! Learn more.